Police restate ban on carnivals in Oyo, declare cult leaders wanted

Worried about the continued loss of lives and property during carnivals in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the police yesterday insisted on enforcing a law prohibiting the events.

The police also said the three suspects arrested in connection with the bloody Eid-El-Kabir carnival in Ekotedo area had been arraigned in court.

The command declared wanted the two leaders of the rival cult groups identified as Ogungbemi and Ojoweli alleged to be masterminds of the crisis.

The state Police Commissioner, Samuel Adegbuyi, while addressing reporters said there was no hiding place for the cult leaders.

While restating the command’s zero tolerance for violence, Adegbuyi said anyone caught fomenting trouble would be dealt with.

He said: “The two cult leaders have been declared wanted and the police are doing everything possible to bring them to justice. The law banning carnival in the state is still in force. And the people are reminded that the police will not allow any breakdown of law and order.”

The Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Council, Wasiu Olatunbosun and Baale of Ekotedo, Chief Taiye Ayorinde in whose domain the crisis took place condemned it.